image from Old Farmers' Almanac

      ​We are open today, Thursday, Friday this week.  Starting July 3rd the weekends we will be closed.  We will be here Tuesday July 6th, Wed July 7th, Thursday July 8th, Friday July 9th.  We have moved lots of the plants, but still have potted plants that are looking good to go into your garden.  Herbs, perennials, lilies, annual packs, geraniums, vinca vines, sunpatiens, marigolds, petunias, hanging baskets look nice yet,  vine plants such as cucumbers, squash, few tomatoes if you need to fill in some, peppers, and still all in colors.  What we are doing now is planting our containers for the rest of the season for me.  I have so enjoyed all the color on the racks I will miss that when it is time to end the planting.  So these are pictures of the pots we have made.  So if you need color yet or refresh some pots or baskets stop in and see me.  Open from 9-6 these last days.  This week till Friday.  Next week Tuesday thru Friday. 
When I was growing up in Allamakee County hay making was serious work.  Mother would make kool aid for us and always would have cold meat sandwiches with it.  Never hear of the Haymaker’s punch.  I might have to try it and see.  I like molasses and I will let you know. 
How about dog day drink?  That sounds good too. 
Switchel, also known as Haymaker’s Punch, is a refreshing drink made with apple cider vinegar. It was how colonial farmers quenched their thirst out in the hot, sunbaked fields—which is enough of an endorsement for me!
This drink is also called Haymaker’s Punch because it was often drunk while haying—which is hard work under the hot summer sun!
WHAT IS SWITCHEL?
Switchel has a long history as a traditional drink with Colonial Americans. (Read about the Read about the history of Switchel.) It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients—apple cider vinegar, ginger, water, and a sweetener.
Think of it as “Nature’s Gatorade.” It will give you an energizing electrolyte boost better than any pricey energy drink or soda. All the ingredients (except water, of course) are actually sources of the electrolyte potassium. Switchel is known as a health tonic that boosts the immune system, too (but don’t tell the kids it’s “healthy”). Apple cider vinegar even helps to detoxify your organs!
Its cold-weather cousin, Apple-Cider Tonic, is also known to keep your immune system running smoothly and can help keep you safe from those nasty winter colds.
We tested a few great switchel recipes to see if it really lived up to its old-fashioned fame.
OLD-FASHIONED SWITCHEL RECIPE
Here’s a classic Haymaker’s Punch recipe, which was unearthed from the archives of The Old Farmer’s Almanac:
1 gallon water
1 ½ cups molasses
⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
We like molasses, but you could replace it with maple syrup, honey, or another sweetener. You could cut back the sweetener, too. Find the right balance for you. Remember to start with less—as you can always add more. Switchel shouldn’t coat your mouth; it should taste refreshing. Another idea is to add a teaspoon of fresh lemon or lime juice for zing.
SWITCHEL RECIPE FROM AN ALMANAC READER
Here’s an alternative switchel recipe to try, courtesy of Dennis Miles, an Almanac Facebook fan and full-time blacksmith. He drinks his Haymaker’s Punch from a mid-19th century haymaker’s jug.
1 gallon water
2 cups raw or dark brown sugar
1 cup molasses
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ginger (fresh)
Serve in mason jars.
Mmmm! Switchel is so refreshing and delicious! It tastes pleasantly tart and, surprisingly, not too sweet.
And, boy, is it drinkable—much more so than plain water. I’ll say that it did quench my thirst for water, but not for switchel. We drank half the pitcher!
A hot summer day is the best time to whip up a refreshing pitcher of Dog Days Iced Tea.
What are Dog Days? We’re glad you asked! The Dog Days of summer are traditionally the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11. To learn more, check out our Dog Days of Summer page. In the meantime, sit back and relax with this quintessential summer beverage.
Recipe for Dog Days Iced Tea
INGREDIENTS
7 bags black tea (English, Earl Grey, etc.)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup mint leaves and sprigs, divided
2 cups chilled orange juice
1 orange, sliced crosswise
1 lemon, sliced crosswise
ice cubes
INSTRUCTIONS
Brew a strong tea in about 10 cups water. While still hot, add sugar and about a dozen mint leaves. Let cool.
Remove tea bags and mint; then add orange juice, fruit slices, and ice.
Serve over more ice, garnish with fresh mint sprigs, and add a fruit slice or two to each glass.
YIELD:  Makes 8 to 10 servings
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/content/summer-drink-recipes-cool
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

peppers, and not picture still have some tomatoes

vine plants such as cucumber, squash etc

      ​What a lovely morning this Sunday morning.  I am listening to a great praise song.  Look it up and listen to it.  Days of Elijah by Robin Mark. I am open today till 4 if you need some really nice garden plants.  Here are the pictures of what it looks like yet.  Lots of watering and then the rain fell, and the plants really look awesome with that rain we got.  LOVE the lower humidity and of course the sun is shining.  All of you enjoy the day.  I will enjoy being in my garden on the blacktop with all the wagons and racks.  I am planting all these succulents always something to do in the greenhouse. 
I will be here till 4 today.  Tomorrow I will open at 9 but need to close at 4 as need to go to a funeral visitation.  I will be back to the greenhouse on Tuesday 9-6 and all week.  Just a reminder that this weekend we will be closed as it is July.  BUT open the following week till July 9th. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  beckmall@netins.net

image from Pinterest

What a lovely morning.  I am wearing a sweatshirt now it is that chilly.  We got 1 inch of rain on Sunday so it is good.  I don’t have to water.  How about you did you get rain?  Looks like all week it will be more seasonable. High today of 70 and low tonight of 48.  Windows are open in the house.  Warmest day will be Thursday with 85 degrees.  Which is around our average temperature.  ALL I CAN SAY IS ENJOY…

I am posting this chart of successive planting you can do in your garden, or the latest to plant.  As you can see you still can plant tomatoes.   I don’t have time to plant these in the spring, but I am going to plant what I can now for a later growing.  I will use containers, and one raised bed to try these.  I will let you know how that goes.  I also going to grow some of the unique peppers and tomatoes and see about saving seeds for next year.  One of my gardeners has done that with what I have grown for him and the seeds are particularly good at germinating.  Just another way of helping with my greenhouse growing.  Always something to learn that is for sure.  If you need more garden seed to do this, I have the bulk garden seed here for you to try. 

 In successive gardening, the idea is that you plant one crop after another to increase your harvest. If some crops such as radish only take a few weeks until harvest, you’ll want to use that space for a second crop!  Other vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers are long-lasting and keep bearing fruit. Still others such as Brussels sprouts stay in the ground as they taste best after a first frost.
 
Last Planting dates for second season crops
To calculate the best time to plant your second vegetable crops look at the first expected freeze dates in the chart below.  Choose the date that comes closest to the expected first killing frost in your area.
First expected freeze     Sept 10       Sept 20                 Sept 30                 Oct 10                   Oct 20
Vegetable           PLANT BY
Beets                               June 25          July 5                     July 15                   July 25               August 5
Broccoli transplants      June 15          June 25                 July 10                   July 25
Bush beans                                                                         June 15                 July 1                     July 15
Cabbage transplants                          June 15                 June 25                 July 10                     July 25
Carrots                           June 25         July 5                     July 15                   July 25                  August 5
Cucumbers                                                                     June 15                 June 30                    July 15
Leaf lettuce                  July 20           August 1             August 10            Aug 20                       Sept 1
Peas                             June 25           July 10                   July 20                   Aug 10                   Aug 20
Peppers transplants                          June 20                 June 30                 July 7                       July 15
Radishes                      Aug 1              Aug 15                   Sept 1                    Sept 10                 Sept 20
Spinach                      July 15             July 25                   Aug 5                     Aug 15                   Aug 25
Tomatoes transplants  June 15        June 20                 June 25                 June 30                   July 5
Winter squashes/pumpkins                                            June 15                 June 25                  July 5
 
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/content/succession-gardening-chart
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  

image from Pinterest 

        Another 90 degree day.  BUT the humidity is down.  Thursday was very hard as it was hot, sunny and humid.  Some got rain, but we did not.  Looks like Sunday at 80% chance of rain we might get some.  LET us pray for that. I just got done watering everything for the 2nd time today.  I started at 8 this morning and finished at 4.  That will get us thru this afternoon and tonight.  Start all over again tomorrow.  I know all of you are watering too.  Next week looks like cooler temperatures.  Monday and Tuesday in the 70;s and night time in the 50’s.  So there is our below normal temperatures for the month, but we will need more than 2 days of that to make the average for June of 82 degrees.  We will take it. 
​
WHY DO WE NEED BUGS?
5 REASONS WHY INSECTS ARE SO IMPORTANT TO HUMANS  By Robin Sweetser
Summer weather has arrived and with it come the bugs. What possible reason can there be for their existence other than to bother us? As a gardener and small farmer, let me tell you—we need bugs more than they need us. Really! Discover five reasons we need insects, all that we’ve learned from bugs, and cool insect facts.
Judging by all the different products on store shelves aimed at eradicating insects of all kinds, the world would be a better place without them… or would it? It is estimated that there are 200 million insects for each person! That’s a lot of bugs.
Sure, there are some “bad” bugs: crop pests destroy billions of dollars worth of food every year, a single locust eats it own body weight daily, and many deadly diseases are transmitted to humans by insects. However, only about 1% of all insects and mites are harmful. Almost all bugs play a very important role in our survival.
5 REASONS WHY WE NEED INSECTS
Insects form the base of the food web, feeding fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Those pesky mosquitoes and gnats provide food for fish, bats, and birds. Sixty percent of the world’s birds are insect eaters and one quarter of the world’s human population includes insects in their diet.
Called “6-legged lifesavers” by some, insects not only provide food—they also keep harmful organisms in check. One wasp can eat 2 pounds of other insects in a 2,000 sq.ft. garden. Spiders eat 400-800 billion tons of insects a year! A ladybug is a voracious meat eater and may eat as many as a thousand aphids during its larval development, plus several hundred more while it’s an adult and is producing its eggs.
Insects’ role in the pollination of plants is nearly incalculable. Pollination is a win-win. The insects get fed by the pollen and nectar they gather, while the fertilized plants are able to form fruit and set seeds. They pollinate 85% of wild plants and 75% of agricultural crops. Specific interactions called mutualisms have evolved over time and certain insects are the only pollinator for some plants, like figs and the fig wasp.
Many insects disperse the fruit and seeds from plants so that they can spread across long distances without relying on wind pollination. For example, ants disperse the seeds of about 11,000 different plants. Seeds that are not consumed germinate along paths used by ants. By utilizing insects such as ants, plants ensure that their seeds are dispersed over long distances without having to rely solely on wind.
Not only do insects feed us, but they break down and clean up our waste, too. Without them, we’d be knee-deep in—well, you know! Acting as nature’s tiny janitors, insects, fungi, and bacteria break down and recycle dead matter to form new life. They clean up dung, dead plants, and animal bodies and return them to the soil as nutrient-rich organic matter. For example, blowflies and flesh flies eat dead animal and plant waste and recycle it into the ecosystem as they produce waste or are themselves eaten.
WHAT WE’VE LEARNED FROM BUGS
Insects have been incredibly successful on Earth and we humans have learned a lot from the way they work:
Dragonflies not only eat mosquitoes, but also inspired modern drone technology.
Termites inspired passive cooling systems used in buildings.
Called surgical maggots, the larvae of blowflies are used to cleanse hard-to-heal wounds by eating dead tissue and pus. They also produce substances that alter the pH of the wound, limiting growth of bacteria while promoting the growth of healthy new tissue.
The gut bacteria found in some mealworms can digest polystyrene and the larvae of the greater wax moth eats plastic shopping bags.
Some antibiotics have been developed from the natural compounds ants produce to protect themselves from infections by bacteria and fungi.
Fruit flies are used in biomedical research and have been an integral part of at least 6 Nobel prize–winning discoveries.
We take for granted some direct products and services insects provide for us, such as:
Silkworms produce fiber for cloth and thread.
Honeybees give us beeswax for candles, polishes, salves, and cosmetics—and also provide honey.
The lac bug gives us shellac, used not just as a wood finish but also in cosmetics and as a coating for candy and delay-release medications.
Carmine dye, which is often used in food, drinks, jams, and lipstick, comes from a scale insect.
Ants are drawn to the nectar peony buds exude. While feeding there they do no harm and keep other bugs away!
WE NEED BUGS; THEY DON’T NEED US
Insects have been around much longer than humans and way before the dinosaurs. They were the first flying things on earth and have survived 5 rounds of mass extinctions.
 
We need bugs, but they don’t need us; in fact, they need us to stop trying to kill them. One quarter of all insects are thought to be facing extinction. Intensive farming and forestry practices, loss of habitat, pesticides, climate change, and introduction of invasive species all pose a threat.
Anything that affects them also affects us, and a loss of insects could have a negative impact on our ecosystem. Don’t just kill every bug you see. Get to know who is friend and who is foe before you reach for that can of Raid!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/why-do-we-need-bugs?
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty, Iowa 641-794-3337  cell phone 641-903-9365 beckmall@netins.net

     ​Again it has been awhile since I have written.  We have been having some really hot weather like temperatures in the 90’s.  Today the humidity is down which has been for a few days.  Tomorrow humidity coming up but with that hopefully bring some rain.  For us to keep the plants looking good, I have been watering twice and sometime 3 times a day.  I will keep plants looking good thru the month of June.  I have been having gardeners come to find plants to fill in which I am glad to have them in their gardens not mine.
I know all the gardeners are watering and that takes time.  BUT the plants need it if we don’t get it from nature.  One inch a week is what gardens need to grow. Containers and baskets need more are they dry out quicker. 
We still have tomatoes, and I don’t think it is too late yet to plant those.  Peppers are really looking good if you need some of them.  Edible Sweet potato plants are looking awesome too.  Herbs are ready to be planted and used right away.   Cucumbers, squash plants will go into your garden and grow quickly for you.  Definitely not too late for them.   All on sale. 
If you want color, the zinnias and marigolds are in full bloom and will give that color you need. Lilies are blooming and budding out so you can have them for your gardens.
Lots of begonias, petunias waves and regular are still strong. Color. We have inpatients and   they are outside all hardened off to go into that garden spot.
Perennial table is look awesome some are blooming but lots of green.  They are ready to go into that garden spot for a permanent look.  4’ pots on sale for $4.00,large pots $8 or $10.  Lime color coral bell and a very pretty dark red one also. Butterfly bushes are blooming and smell so good when we go by.
Grapes vine plants are growing and even have grapes on them.  They will produce yet this year.  Succulents, cacti do well in this extreme heat that is for sure.   Lyle is planting some more baskets this week, as I know this hot weather is hard on the baskets that you have already.  They are on sale for $10.00 and will last the rest of the season. 
As you see, we still have a full line of gardening plants, so worth your drive to Dougherty.  Hours still this month are Monday thru Saturday 9-6, Sunday 11-4. 
I am here to help with your gardening needs so contact me at beckmall@netins.net,  website beckysgreenhouse.com, 641-794-3337 work, cell  641-903-9365  I will answer text.  Message me on Facebook.  Beckys greenhouse, or Becky Kerndt Litterer
Hope all of your gardens are looking awesome, green and growing.  Enjoy your hard work, as I enjoy looking at the flowers on the racks here.  So far, that is all my gardening I have done. See if I get some pots planted next week.  Also have 1000 succulents to plant yet, I will let you know when they are ready. 
I had one gentlemen say you just work 4 months out of the year in the greenhouse.  I didn’t answer that because it is all year long I am working on the greenhouse stuff. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa  beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337 cell 641-903-9365

image from gardeners.com 

      ​I know it has been awhile since I have posted.  All my time is in watering.  We water everything twice a day.  So, all of that takes time. BUT got the best compliment from the gardeners that came this week.  YOUR plants look awesome and that is why we are watering all the time.  With the help of a couple young men, Lyle and Ann and myself.  We got everything out of the greenhouse.  The plants are on the long wagons, and on the tall carts.  We are using the tomato plants on top of the racks to give shade to the cart.  That is working well. 
We are continuing to put plants on sale. 
4” annual pots are $3.00.
Large 4 pack of tomatoes $3.00
Large 4 pack of annuals $3.00
Hanging baskets all are $10.00  we will be planting more next week to give you a choice of baskets that will last the rest of the season
Geraniums $3.00
Annual 4 packs all at $1.00 including vegetables, the vine plants such as zucchini, cucumbers, squash look great and it isn’t too late to plant these
Herbs $3.00
Asparagus roots $5.00 for 6 or 8 plants
Still have onion sets for that late planting.
Perennials on sale from $4.00, $8.00 to $10.00
     You could add more to your garden this week, as the temperature will be warm, but the humidity will be low.  All of it will take watering.  Here is what I h found out about watering your gardens.  Interesting do’s and don’ts.
The Proper Way to Water Your Garden By: Danny Flanders
So you think watering is a no-brainer, huh? Actually, some best practices for watering plants will save your plants and conserve water, too.
Water for too long, and you create an open invitation for fungus. Water too little, and roots become shallow. Water in the evening, and insects come out to feast. Water from too high, and half the moisture is lost to evaporation.
Poor watering habits are a real crime — literally, in some parts of the country where drought conditions have led to government-imposed restrictions. And so they should be, since water is a precious resource whether or not you garden. Consider collecting water for your garden with rain barrels that have garden hose connections. You can build your own rain barrel or shop top-rated rain barrels.
With a little knowledge, we can all become better consumers, better gardeners and better stewards of our environment.
Watering Plants and Lawns Efficiently
DO When is the best time to water plants? That's a popular question. Water early in the morning when sunlight is weakest, the ground is coolest and foliage will have hours to dry before nightfall. Aim for between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.
DON’T water in the evening when soil is warm and wet foliage can attract insects, fungus and disease.
DO water deeply and at fewer intervals so that you reach roots, the part of the plant that needs the nutrients, sugars and hormones contained in water. Soaking the soil to a depth of 5 to 6 inches encourages plants to grow deeper roots, which in the long run will make for a healthier garden.
DON’T water lightly and often, which promotes shallow root growth. (One of the worst watering crimes you can commit is to dash outside after work every evening and sprinkle the lawn for 10 minutes. Book ‘em, Danno!)
DO direct water at the base of a plant and avoid wetting foliage, which invites fungus. Also, you'll lose less water to evaporation and, since your're applying water directly to the root zone, the water will be readily available to the plant roots.
 
DON’T water from overhead. Depending on the size of the plant, the water may never actually hit the ground because the foliage may overshadow the plant’s base.
DO give lawns an inch of water per week during dry spells which, with a sprinkler, takes about 90 minutes to deliver to one area. If you don’t have a water gauge, set out an empty tuna fish can. When it’s full, you’re done!
DON’T water a lawn more or less than what's needed because the amount affects root growth — the foundation of a healthy, beautiful lawn.
DO use irrigation systems with fixtures close to the ground. If using a sprinkler, opt for small sprinklers that allow you to change water delivery patterns or, for large areas, use a pulsating, revolving sprinkler that shoots water out horizontally at a high speed that overcomes loss due to evaporation or wind.
DON’T use sprinklers that spray vast amounts of water into the air, most of which evaporates before it ever hits the ground. Avoid watering on windy days as well.
DO give trees and shrubs — especially newly planted ones — direct watering every 7 to 10 days.
DON’T rely on sprinklers and irrigation systems to reach the bases of trees and shrubs.
DO use soaker hoses to water vegetable gardens. Again, hit the ground, not the plant.
DON’T use overhead sprinklers in vegetable gardens. More water is lost to evaporation than is absorbed by the soil.
DO use a watering wand to water annuals and perennials, both in ground and containers.
DON’T use a hose and nozzle which casts a wide spray that wets the foliage and not always the ground.
DO water container gardens regularly, typically once a day during hot, dry spells. Stick your finger in the soil. If it feels dry all the way to your second knuckle, it’s time to water.
 
DON’T think that container gardens need watering only when everything else does. Pots hold heat, so the confined soil dries out faster than garden soil does.
DO mulch beds and containers with several inches of composted material, which cools soil, retains moisture and helps deter weeds.
DON’T water un-mulched soil. The force of the water can spatter plants with moist soil and cause runoff.
Taken from https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/the-proper-way-to-water-your-garden#
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse Dougherty, Iowa  beckmall@netins.net 641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365

image from 2moderncom/umage/Dansihdesign 

     WOW it is warm out.  I have been watering continually for several hours.  I am taking a break, and will start up again around 3 so all can be watered again.  Temperature at 1:30 PM is 92 I can’t believe it.   Humidity isn’t too high yet.  BUT it is warm, but a lovely breeze makes being outside easier.
We are having a sale starting today.  Seed potatoes, onion sets ½ price at $2.50, asparagus roots packages of 6 or 8 half price $5.00, large 4 pack of tomatoes half price at $3.00, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, cabbage, celery a 4 pack for $1.00 .  All 4” annuals are $3.00 including geraniums.  Large 4 pack of marigolds, wave petunias, coleus are $3.00, 10 “basket is 12.00, 12” basket is 14.00  all herbs $3.00
I guess you could say we just found some really nice lilies that were on a rake by themselves and how they have grown with out a lot of care from us. 
We have been working hard keeping all the racks as in the tall racks with annuals, and the long wagon racks.  By garden is walking around the racks with all the color, and walking thru the tall racks that we have all thru a walkway.  I am incredibly lucky to have Larry be able to build things for me to make it easier.  He has put together 3 sprinklers that are on wheels to water the long racks, and those tall racks we have.  I just plug in the water hose, turn it on and it spray the area.  We have 2 pump systems with injectors, so I am fertilizing whenever I am watering.  The only thing I must hand water outside is the trees.  I am here from 9-6 Monday thru Saturday, Sunday 11-4.  BUT I will tell you I am here longer than that to make sure the watering is all completed.  I would have to say 11 to 12 hours a day.  BUT I love it, growing the plants, and helping you the gardener.  All of you stay cool, drink liquids and enjoy this weather. 

​How about GROWING LAVENDER
HOW TO PLANT, GROW, AND CARE FOR LAVENDER
By The Editors
Lavender is a bushy, strong-scented perennial plant from the Mediterranean. In warmer regions, its gray to green foliage stays evergreen throughout the year, and the herb thrives in some of the toughest of garden conditions. Here’s how to plant, grow, and harvest lavender in the garden!
ABOUT LAVENDER
Prized for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and beautiful bluish-purple color, Lavandula angustifolia is a valued plant across the world. It also attracts pollinators to the garden.
The plant is not picky and will survive in a wide range of soils, even poor soil. (It grows in the Mediterranean in craggy crevices!) Its main requirements are lots of sun and good drainage.
Plant lavender along the entrance to your home, or near a seating area, or at the base of roses bushes to hide their twiggy “legs” in the wintertime.
PLANTING
WHEN TO PLANT
Lavender is best planted as a young plant in the spring, after the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (15°C) and the threat of frost has passed.
If planting in the fall, choose larger, more established plants to ensure their survival through the winter.
CHOOSING AND PREPARING A PLANTING SITE
Lavender thrives in most soil qualities, from poor to moderately fertile.
If you have compacted or clay soil, add some organic matter to improve drainage. Learn more about soil amendments and preparing soil for planting.
Keep away from wet, moist areas, which could encourage root rot.
PLANTING LAVENDER
Lavender isn’t easy to grow from seed; we recommend purchasing small starter plants from a garden nursery. Seeds may take up to three months to germinate and seedlings will need to be overwintered indoors in cool climates.
You can try taking a cutting from a mature plant, too. Take a softwood cutting of several inches in the spring or later in the summer when stems are more mature.
Plant lavender 2 to 3 feet apart. Plants typically reach between 1 and 3 feet in height.
Add mulch (rock or pea gravel work particularly well) to keep weeds to a minimum. Keep the mulch away from the crown of the lavender plant, however, to prevent excess moisture and root rot.
CARE
HOW TO CARE FOR LAVENDER
Water once or twice a week after planting until plants are established. Water mature plants every two to three weeks until buds form, then once or twice weekly until harvest.
In colder growing areas, plants may need extra winter protection. Cover the plants with a winter mulch of evergreen boughs or straw, which will insulate from freezing winds and temperatures.
Another option for cold areas is to grow lavender in a pot, keeping it outdoors in the summer and indoors in winter. While indoors, place the pot in a south-facing window with as much light as possible. Water sparingly, as the plant will be dormant at this time.
PRUNING LAVENDER
In warm climates: all pruning can be carried out in the autumn.
In cooler climate: Prune established plants in the spring when green leaves start to emerge from the base of the plant. Remove approximately one third of the top to keep. the plant from becoming leggy and bare at the base. It’s important not to cut back into old wood however, as it won’t regrow from this. Leave the foliage over the winter to protect new growth from frosts,
Also, the flowering stems can be harvested while in bloom or snipped off after the flowers fade to keep the plant tidy.
PESTS/DISEASES
Fungal diseases, in humid climates
Root rot due to excess water (look for yellowing leaves as a sign of overwatering)
HARVEST/STORAGE
HOW TO HARVEST LAVENDER
If you wish to harvest lavender, it’s a wonderful herb for drying.
Store them in a lidded jar somewhere cool and dark, or pop them straight into a sachet to keep towels, sheets or clothes smelling sweet and to repel moths. If you suffer from insomnia, try inserting the sachets into a pillow so the calming scent can help you drift off to a restful slumber.
 Although edible, lavender is little used in recipes. It’s occasionally included as a constituent of Herbes de Provence mixes, and leaves can be chopped and added sparingly to some sauces or used in shortbread biscuits – if you have any great lavender recipes, feel free to share them in the comments below.
Harvest the lavender stems when approximately half of the flower buds have opened.
Harvest in the morning hours when the oils are the most concentrated.
Snip off the stems just before the flowers open.
Cut stems as long as possible. Gather into bundles and secure them with rubber bands.
Dry the bundles of lavender by hanging them someplace sheltered, ideally a cool, dark place where there is good air circulation.
After a few weeks the flowers will have dried fully, and can be shaken gently from the stems into a lidded jar. Or, use your lavender to make lavender sachets—a lovely gift.
Use your lavendar sachet to keep your sheets or towels smelling sweet, to repel moths and insects, and even under your pillow for a restful night.
RECOMMENDED VARIETIES
English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is most common and hardy to Zone 5. There are hundreds of varieties available in many colors and sizes. It often blooms twice in one season.
‘Hidcote’: Compact, silver-gray foliage, deep purple flowers.
‘Munstead’: Compact, green foliage, violet-blue flowers.
Lavandins (L. x intermedia)—a hybrid of English and Portuguese lavender (L. latifolia)—are generally larger plants that bloom only once per year, later in the summer.
‘Phenomenal’: Vigorous variety that is highly tolerant of heat and humidity and resistant to common root and foliar diseases. Long flower spikes.
‘Provence’: Vigorous, long-stemmed variety, very fragrant.
Spanish lavender (L. stoechas) and French or fringed lavender (L. dentata) are typically only winter-hardy in Zones 7 to 9.
WIT & WISDOM
Lavendar’s first documented use was by the Romans in 77 A.D. for repelling insects and soothing insect bites. Add a lavender sachet to your towels, sheets, or cloths to repel moths.
The herb is also known for its calming effects. If you suffer from insomnia, try slipping a lavender sachet into your pillow. Lavender oil is used to naturally induce sleep.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/lavender
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa  beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell phone 641-903-9365

part of the 11 long wagons we have full of plants

      ​Question: A crystalline substance and a tear.
(Use these clues to find the two words that, when combined, form the name of a flower.)
       What a great spring day this was.  Sun shining, clear blue sky and extraordinarily little wind.  Gardeners were out and about getting their plants.   Temperature is 78 at 5:30 PM .  Very little humidity so very nice out. Tonight a low of 55 and looks like each day warming up till the weekend it will be close to 90 degrees.  Lyle, Ann and I are working hard to get all out from the greenhouse so shopping is easier for you.  We have 11 long racks full of plants, from perennials, annuals to vegetables, geraniums, herbs, succulents, and as for succulents we have many to plant yet, so we will not be out for a long time if ever…..We have cactus, and carnivores plants.  
     Our vine vegetable plants are now ready to go into the garden as it is June 1 but you have till the 15th of June to get them in.  It isn’t too late for tomatoes and peppers.  Seed potatoes are on sale 5 lbs for 2.50 half price.  I am going to plant them yet.
 Soil temperature is slowly coming up as the night time temperature but it is a late spring I would call it.  Plenty of time for planting your vegetable garden and your flowers. 
I didn’t expect frost during the Memorial Day weekend, but it should be good now.  We have had some rain and if we get that warm of the sun plants will grow well. 
I know I have had concern gardeners here today but a couple of them said what will you do with all these plants?  I said I will get rid of them because I will be selling the whole month of June.  So that makes you realize we still have lots to chose from and they look great.  Open Monday thru Saturday 9-6 Sunday 11-4.  Come and see us during this time, because we can help you with your gardening needs. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa  beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365
 
Answer: Answer: Snowdrop